BASF has invested in US start-up 3Helix, which has developed a proprietary collagen-hybridizing peptide (CHP) technology.
The partnership involves an equity investment, a place on the 3Helix board of directors, and a licensing agreement granting BASF exclusive rights to commercialize CHP solutions for the personal care field.
3Helix's patented CHP technology is based on short, single-stranded collagen-like peptides that have the unique ability to bind to damaged and denatured collagen, enabling “extraordinary” anti-ageing claims, says BASF.
BASF plans to bring it in-house and aims to launch initial CHP solutions in 2025.
The partnership comes after research and development work by 3Helix, which has seen their CHP technology quickly progress from laboratory scale to pilot stage.
Since its establishment in 2015, Salt Lake City-based 3Helix has focused on developing an innovative technology platform to target damaged collagen for various applications, including personal care.
“With this partnership, BASF continues to demonstrate our investment in open innovation and expand our innovative offerings to our customers,” said Dr. Marina Safont Sempere, Director of New Business Models & Digital Officer, Care Chemicals at BASF.
“3Helix’s results from laboratory trials are very encouraging and show the potential of this new innovation for the personal care market,” she added.
3Helix chief executive Mike Kirkness said: “It has been an exciting journey to bring our technology to this point where we can partner with BASF.
“We look forward to the intense collaboration in the coming years and welcome BASF to the 3Helix board of directors.”
